A court has denied the city of Norwalk’s request to dismiss the state’s lawsuit against the city for its ban on shelters for homeless residents, officials announced Wednesday.
The state filed the lawsuit last year, arguing that the city’s moratorium on homeless shelters and supportive housing violates several state laws.
The lawsuit comes after Norwalk lost its eligibility to receive state housing and homelessness funds in October after the state Department of Housing and Community Development revoked its compliance with the housing element law.
In August, the Norwalk City Council adopted an ordinance putting a moratorium on various establishments, including emergency shelters, along with transitional and supportive housing.
In September, the City Council voted to extend the moratorium without discussion. Before City Council members voted on the extension, HCD sent city officials a “Notice of Violation and Corrective Action Letter” regarding the ordinance.
In response to the court’s ruling today, Newsom, who signed an executive order in July last year allowing state and local officials to dismantle homeless encampments, released the following statement:
“No community should turn its back on its residents in need. We will continue to hold Norwalk accountable for its failure to reverse this cruel and unlawful ban.”
State Attorney Rob Bonta said one of Californians top concerns is affordability issues and Norwalk’s ban threatens families and individuals struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
